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201 — In-country Special Humanitarian Visa
AustraliaAustralia•Oceania
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201 — In-country Special Humanitarian Visa

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months – 3 years

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Australia flag

Living in Australia

Cost of Living
2% more than United States
Avg SalaryA$73,000
Quality of Life
187/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

A permanent humanitarian visa for people subject to persecution in their home country who are unable to leave.

The Subclass 201 is an Australian permanent humanitarian visa for people still living in their home country who face persecution and cannot leave to seek asylum elsewhere. Applications are lodged offshore and assessed under the annual humanitarian program.

The visa grants permanent residence from day one, with full work and study rights, Medicare access, and a 5-year travel facility. Family members can be included in the application. No application fee applies. Priority is given to UNHCR-registered refugees and Afghan Locally Engaged Employees.

This visa is ideal for persecuted individuals remaining in their home country — particularly those with UNHCR registration or ties to Australia — who cannot leave to seek refuge elsewhere.

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Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

Determined by annual humanitarian program

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.

Must be living in their home country and subject to persecution.

Usually requires a referral from the UNHCR or an approved humanitarian organization.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

UNHCR referral

Evidence of persecution

Identity documents

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Permanent protection
  • No application fees

Worth Knowing

  • Highly dependent on UNHCR referral
  • Long wait times
  • Applicant is not in their home country
  • Applicant does not meet refugee definition

Application Process

1

Obtain UNHCR referral

2

Lodge Form 842

3

Interview and assessment

4

Visa grant

Application Forms

Go to application portal
842Fill online
842
Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
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842
Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
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842
Application for an Offshore Humanitarian Visa
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